The star, who has appeared in several critically acclaimed movies and series including Killing Bono, '71, Pacific and Clash of the Clans will appear in front of Ards Magistrates' Court later this month.

The 32-year-old is alleged to have had the class A drug in his possession during an incident in North Down on July 3 last year.

McCann's father is facing a similar charge.

But while the star denies the charge, his father has admitted the drugs offence, Newtownards Magistrates' Court was told on Tuesday by a defence solicitor.

The most severe penalty for possessing class A drugs is an unlimited fine and seven years in prison. Aside from the sentence, a conviction for drugs possession could see the rising star barred from working in the US.

The actor's defence solicitor told the court that his client denies the charges.

McCann, who currently lives in Holywood, Co Down, grew up in the Divis Flats area of the Falls Road in west Belfast.

According to court papers, the star also allegedly allowed a man to drive an Audi A5 on the Bangor to Belfast carriageway without insurance on the same date.

The driver of the vehicle, named in the court papers as George Watters, was also alleged to have been driving while over the alcohol limit.

McCann is said to have assisted him in the drink driving offence which took place close to McCann's Farmhill Road home.

News of McCann's charges comes the same week as his latest movie, The Survivalist, has been released.

In the post-apocalyptic thriller McCann plays the lead character, a recluse living off the land.

The Belfast man also starred in short film, Boogaloo and Graham, which won the Bafta for the best British Short Film.

The case will is scheduled to be heard in Ards Magistrates Court on February 16.